True Modular Homes by Randall Eaton
 Many people, when they hear the term "modular home", automatically think "manufactured home" or "on- frame modular home". A, "True Modular" home is neither. True modular homes have all of the characteristics of stick-built homes and must pass the same code requirements as stick-built homes.
True modular homes have more flexibility as compared to on-frame modular homes. To learn more about on-frame modular homes please click on the manufactured home link above. Another difference is - true modular homes don't have a steel undercarriage supporting the floor system like on-frame modular homes or HUD-code manufactured homes. True modular homes are stick-built homes constructed in a controlled environment and transported to the job site 90% to 95% completed.
 Modular Town Homes
There are about 100 true modular or custom modular home producers that assemble sections of modular units inside factories. Most modular units are made in complete, box like sections. Multiple-section units and stack-on units are common. They are sold as "factory direct" or through a network of builders.
True modular homes or sometimes referred to as
"system-built" homes are built using an engineered approach to produce structures in a more efficient and cost effective method. Instead of the old-fashioned construction method, (stick-built) most of the work is pre-fabricated at an off-site climate controlled factory. As each sub-section or modular unit is finished it is transported to the building site on a flat bed truck with no steel undercarriage supporting the floor system. Once on site each modular unit is constructed together using the same methods that stick-built homes use.
 A true modular home can be built from existing plans or from custom plans generated by an architect. Modular home producer's uses computer generated plans to meet all national, state, and local building standards.
Framing for a modular home is the same as a traditional home except that true modular homes use 20 to 30 percent more material to guarantee a safe trip to the site. Basically a true modular home is over engineered to withstand the transportation process. This is also true for on- frame modular homes and to a lesser degree HUD-code homes. True modular homes are built in a climate-controlled environment using the same high quality materials used in traditionally built homes.
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